 | ||
| Photo by Steffen Thoma |
They think my focus on recycling is stupid, for one thing. They say I go "overboard." I love what my husband said to me in reference to this: "I wonder how much they'd fight it if a landfill went in beside their homes?" Good point. Don't recycle, but don't bring your trash into our neighborhood.
Now I don't have to worry about any of these people reading about this, because none of them would be bothered with reading my blog and discovering for themselves what exactly it is that motivates me. While their comments will not deter my mission as Green Grandma, they sure have affected my enthusiasm to work with them on other things. After all, why would I want to spend time with people who don't respect me? It's pretty simple, actually.
When you speak words about someone, do you ever stop to think exactly what the effect would be if the words were to get back to them? Would the person stop serving in a ministry or voluntering their time? Would they hole up and retreat into themselves?
Of course, I'm as guilty as others on this one. I've said unkind things about people that would have hurt them the way these words hurt me. Perhaps now, I'll twice before doing that again.
I'm discouraged right now. I pour my heart and soul into this mission of mine. Is it worth it? Does it matter? Am I wasting my time? See how those poorly chosen words from a few people have affected me. I'm now doubting myself.
Why am I sharing this with you? Maybe I'm asking for company in my little pity party I'm having. And/or maybe I'm just encouraging you to think before you speak.
"But let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
That verse is somewhere in the first chapter of James and is one of my favorite 'conviction' verses. Yes, it convicts me, too.
I have a busy, busy week ahead, but I just wanted to take the time to share a little piece of my heart with you.
Thanks for 'listening,'
Hana
Your husband is a wise man. I think it's easy for people to be critical when the damage they are causing is not actually in their backyards (yet). But remember for every person who criticizes you, there are 10, 20, 30 who are thanking you for the inspiration and motivation.
ReplyDeleteI'm always a bit torn when people tell me things others have said - on the one hand, they are trying to be good friends, but I often find myself wondering "Why?" Perhaps next time, they could intervene as well as let you know what they heard?
Actually, they did intervene as well. Which apparently was surprising to the critics. But it doesn't go without appreciation from me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Ina.
Green Grandma, I just came back from the store. I had a few things on my grocery list and one item on my "cleaning" list: vinegar. I absent-mindedly started walking down the cleaning aisle before I realized I was in the wrong aisle for vinegar. And it's very nearly entirely your fault.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE making a difference. Before I "met" you I didn't clean much with vinegar. Now I have a small bottle of it at each of my sinks. All because of you.
You make a difference, probably more than you realize.
Thanks, Wanda. The problem with the critics is that they don't think the difference I'm making is worth anything. But I know you do, and I appreciate that.
DeleteYou can't change these critics, you can only change the way you deal with them. You have so many people who respect you for what you do, and the advice you give. Focus your energy on that, not the ones who bring you down. Life is too short to waste it on judgmental people. Thanks for all you do. <3
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement. I take things so personally... it's a hard habit to break.
DeleteI knew you as a writer first -- at the Mercer conference where you taught a workshop I took there this past spring. Your professionalism as a writer made me trust you as Green Grandma. I am not a grandma yet, but I hope my home is safe like yours by the time I do have grandchildren here. I feel blessed that I have time to relearn old tricks. I will have to make changes stealthily because hubby would likely think I'm a bit crazy, but if things are still clean, he won't care much how they got that way.
ReplyDeleteNinja cleaning skills... I got 'em.
Thank you for helping me at least think twice before I do so many things. I had been going on autopilot about just about EVERYTHING before reading your blog and your book.
Thank you for your kind words, Linda. I feel honored to be trusted by you.
DeleteI have learned so many uses for vinegar, from you, that I hadn't known about. Better for me and cheaper too. Thanks for being who you are and helping the world change.
ReplyDeletegourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for your encouragement. It is much appreciated.
DeleteYou know what God put on your heart to do. Don't let opposition deter you from it. I get the same slack about my desire to help others live healthier lives through nutrition. I even had a friend get angry and snap at me when her doctor gave her a list of foods she could no longer eat. She was having a really hard time with it and I was trying to encourage and help her.
ReplyDeleteI believe junk food is just another addiction, as it toxic STUFF (I mean, really, stores are open on Thanksgiving??) But remember, God calls us to be good stewards of ALL He has given us, our bodies and the earth, and that means you're going to get slack/opposition for following His call. Keep on following it!!
Happy Turkey Day!!
Thank you for your words of encouragement, Kathy. It means a lot to me.
Delete